As a compulsive lurker yet casual poster, I need to update this thread:
I got the boat "done" around October and have about 50 hrs on it now. The suzuki has been great so far. I top out at 38 mph on the rev limiter at 6300 rpm with a 3x14x18 suzuki stainless prop and cruise at 28 mph at about 4900-5000 rpm. I had a 14x19 aluminum prop that cruised 28 mph at about 4500, but would only hit 5500-5600 rpm. Fuel consumption is extremely low, I could get close to 7 mpg with that 14x19 prop. I've got the nmea2000 hooked to a garmin 740 and get very acurate fuel flow rates. Right now, I'd say I average close to 6 mpg. The boat balances very nicely, planes out flat, and does not porpoise. I have volvo ql tabs and they work great. I would say tabs are a must if you plan on running an 18 or 20 in anything over a small chop. First time out I was actually pretty ecstatic with the performance of the motor after having taken a $8,000 gamble on wether or not it would be enough power for that hull. At no point does the boat feel under powered. The stainless prop has some small vents and gets the boat on plane very quickly even with a full 30 gallon livewell and two people. In rough water it has plenty of poke to climb swells and allows you to drive the boat. I really couldn't be more pleased.
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